Many Maine residents don’t realize how many exceptional local solar companies they have access to. In fact, despite being one of the least sunny states in the country, Maine is near the top of the list when it comes to solar growth, especially in residential and community solar installations. This article takes a close look at the best solar providers in Maine before concluding with a general list of factors to consider when shopping for a solar energy provider.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
Compare Top-Rated Solar Companies in Maine
The following table provides a summary of the seven best Maine solar companies.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
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 |
Best for Environmental Impact |
MA, ME, & NH |
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 |
Outstanding Local Provider |
Maine |
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 |
Outstanding Regional Installer |
MA, NH, ME, VT, RI & CT |
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Outstanding Regional Provider |
MA, ME, & NH |
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 |
Outstanding Local Installer |
Maine |
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 |
Outstanding Regional Provider |
Maine |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
A+ |
||
Best for Environmental Impact |
MA, ME, & NH |
A+ |
||
Outstanding Local Provider |
Maine |
NR |
||
Outstanding Regional Installer |
MA, NH, ME, VT, RI & CT |
A+ |
||
Outstanding Regional Provider |
MA, ME, & NH |
B- |
||
Outstanding Local Installer |
Maine |
A+ |
What Are the Best Solar Installation Companies in Maine?
SunPower
4.4
Our Rating
SunPower is a high-quality solar company that offers premium solar energy systems at a premium price. The company’s high-efficiency panels are a great choice for Maine residents who want to squeeze as much energy as possible out of their rooftop solar system.
SunPower is a giant in the solar industry. The company was founded more than three decades ago, in 1985, and continues to be one of the leading solar panel companies in the field today. The company’s Maxeon panels are the most efficient available, boasting state-of-the-art photovoltaic technology and unparalleled durability. SunPower’s solar systems also have some of the best solar monitoring capabilities on the market, allowing homeowners to see a fine-grained assessment of their system’s power production and their home’s energy usage.
The only downside to choosing SunPower is the cost, which is well above the average Maine price. The company installs its own high-quality panels and is not afraid to charge premium prices for advanced technology. Still, if you have the money to spend, it’s hard to beat SunPower’s performance and long-term energy savings.
SunPower’s warranty covers everything — equipment, workmanship, and performance — for 25 years.
The company offers high-quality home solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, and solar monitoring.
SunPower accepts cash and solar loans and offers solar leases and PPAs
As of this writing, SunPower offers $100 for every friend or family member you recommend who signs up for an in-home consultation.
SunPower has recently begun performing in-house installations but still contracts out some jobs to a third-party installer.
SunPower only installs its own Maxeon panels. However, these are considered the most energy-efficient solar panels in the industry.
SunPower works with a country-wide network of solar installers and has a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to provide solar energy for the team’s Levi’s Stadium. The company also has a rewards program that offers rebates to AAA members.
Featured Video: How Well Will Your Solar Panels Still Work When Covered In Snow?
ReVision Energy
4.5
Our Rating
ReVision Energy is a regional employee-owned solar company that’s been installing residential solar energy systems throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 2003.
The company is a certified B corporation (B Corp), which means it’s dedicated to having a positive impact on the environment. B Corporations are rated based on how well they uphold their environmental and societal goals, with ordinary businesses having a median rating of 51. ReVision Energy blows that score out of the water with a staggering rating of 125.9, far surpassing the minimum score of 80 required to be certified as a B Corp.
Even more impressive than ReVision’s environmental impact is the company’s outstanding service record of installing solar systems throughout the northeast over nearly two decades. The company offers a good selection of solar equipment and services and delivers some of the best customer service available in Maine.
ReVision Energy offers competitive prices in line with the statewide average in Maine.
All of ReVision’s installations come with a standard 25-year warranty on equipment, but the company’s workmanship warranty is only good for five years, well below the solar industry’s standard.
ReVision Energy offers basic solar services like solar panel installations, battery backups, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The company also offers heat pumps — which pair well with rooftop solar installations — and access to community solar throughout Maine for people who can’t install solar panels on their homes.
ReVision Energy accepts cash payments and solar loans through the company’s financing partner Mosaic.
The company has a referral program that rewards you for every customer you refer. You receive $25 for every customer you refer who confirms a site visit and $250 for every customer who signs up for solar with ReVision.
ReVision is an end-to-end solar company that handles all its installations internally.
The company mostly installs photovoltaic (PV) panels from Q Cells and REC, Enphase microinverters, and energy storage via Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell batteries.
ReVision is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating and has industry partnerships with Enphase and Tesla. The company also has strong relationships with many solar advocacy groups throughout the northeastern United States.
Maine Solar Solutions
4.3
Our Rating
Maine Solar Solutions offers many solar services from top manufacturers, and the local technicians are up-to-date on all of Maine’s solar policies and can help you set up net metering — if your local utility company allows it.
Maine Solar Solutions is a local solar energy company proudly owned and operated by Mainers. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Freeport, with a satellite office in Durham. The company handles the entire installation process in-house, from the initial review and permitting to the final installation, making it easy to keep track of your solar project every step of the way.
Maine Solar Solutions is the rare local solar company that offers more affordable solar installations than some of the largest companies in the business. Even more surprising than the company’s prices are the number of products and services it offers.
Maine Solar Solutions is one of the most affordable solar panel options in Maine and typically costs below the state average.
Maine Solar Solutions’ warranty covers parts for 25 years and workmanship for 10, making it slightly better than ReVision Energy’s warranty but still below the industry average.
The company offers solar panels, battery backups, EV chargers, heat pumps, solar monitoring, and community solar.
Maine Solar Solutions accepts cash and solar loans.
The company has a customer referral program that offers $250 to both you and the person you refer when they sign up for service. Referrals are managed through an electronic form on the company’s website.
Maine Solar Solutions is a full-service solar company that handles its installations internally.
The company carries equipment from several major solar energy brands, including Tesla, Q Cells, Silfab, Solaria, LG, and Panasonic.
Maine Solar Solutions employs several North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) installers and has numerous industry partnerships with leading companies like Silfab, Tesla, Q Cells, and Solaria.
Summit Energy
3.7
Our Rating
Summit Energy offers equipment from leading brands like LG and Silfab and backs its installations with an extremely solid 30-year warranty that covers equipment and labor. It also offers a 25-year warranty for roof damage, a nice touch and something that most companies don’t offer.
Summit Energy is a Massachusetts-based solar energy company out of Weymouth. The company was founded relatively recently, in 2016, but the company has quickly made a name for itself throughout the northeast. Summit Energy doesn’t exclusively serve Maine residents, although its installers are certified by NABCEP and are familiar with Maine’s solar policies, as well as solar incentive programs.
Summit Energy has amassed more than 2,500 solar installations throughout the northeast since 2016, an impressive feat and testament to the team’s dedication to providing homeowners with affordable clean energy. The company aims to make it easy for people to transition to solar power through its easy-to-navigate website and helpful customer service representatives.
Summit Energy’s prices are typical for Maine solar panel systems. You can expect to pay close to the statewide average.
Summit Energy offers one of the best warranties we’ve seen from any solar company, not just in Maine but anywhere. The company backs its equipment and workmanship for 30 years and roof damage for 25 years.
The company offers solar panel installations, power storage, community solar, and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Summit Energy gives customers the option to pay in cash or take advantage of a solar loan with options for a 12-, 24-, and 48-month term. The company also offers power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The company offers a rewards program through its mobile app, but the details are not available on its website.
Summit Energy is an end-to-end solar installer, meaning its installations are handled in-house.
The company offers an impressive selection of brands for a regional installer. Summit Energy customers have access to products from companies like SolarEdge, REC, Enphase, Trinasolar, Solaria, Panasonic, LG, Canadian Solar, Tesla, and more.
Summit Energy partners with Loanpal, Sunnova Energy Corporation, Dividend Finance, and Sunlight Financial to provide customers with access to competitive solar loans, and the company’s installers hold NABCEP certifications. The company also has working relationships with Generac, Tesla, Sonnen, and Sunnova.
Invaleon Solar
4.2
Our Rating
Invaleon Solar is headquartered in Massachusetts, but Maine residents can rest assured that Invaleon’s technicians are well-versed in Maine solar policies and regulations. The company offers an impressive selection of equipment from top solar brands and services at reasonable prices.
Invaleon Solar is one of New England’s most prominent solar installers, serving Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The company was founded in 2011 and has maintained a solid A+ rating from the BBB and received an impressive number of outstanding customer reviews over the last ten years.
Invaleon Solar is a great choice for Mainers looking for an all-in-one solar company with regional experience and a good variety of products to choose from.
Invaleon’s prices are fair and representative of the statewide average cost for solar in Maine.
Invaleon Solar’s warranty is among the best in the business, covering parts and labor for 25 years. The company also provides a performance guarantee for 25 years, giving you the assurance that your system will continue to deliver on its production promises throughout its entire life.
The company installs solar panels, solar batteries, and EV chargers.
The company accepts cash and solar loans, but details about financing are only offered after a consultation. Unfortunately, this practice makes the process more difficult and time-consuming than it needs to be if you find the company’s financing options incompatible with your budget.
Invaleon is a full-service solar company, and all installations are handled by an in-house team.
Invaleon installs equipment from leading solar brands like Tesla, LG, Q Cells, SolarEdge, Enphase, Solaria, and Panasonic.
The company has several local and regional distribution and manufacturing partners.
Sundog Solar
3.1
Our Rating
Sundog Solar’s crew includes NABCEP-certified technicians and licensed electricians, and the team is intimately familiar with local solar rules and regulations. Sundog Solar handles everything in-house — except for financing — and will work with you to find the right system that fits your budget and meets your home’s energy needs.
Sundog Solar is a family-run solar company helmed by a father and son duo, Chuck and Danny Piper. The company is dedicated to educating Maine residents about the benefits of clean energy and teaching them how solar power can help reduce their utility bills.
Sundog Solar is a great option for anyone looking to patronize a local business since the company is run out of Searsport. Despite being a local installer, Sundog Solar offers a decent selection of solar equipment at reasonable prices.
Sundog Solar costs are average to above average compared to other solar companies in Maine.
Sundog Solar offers a 25-year performance warranty that guarantees your system will produce energy at the advertised rate throughout its lifetime. Unfortunately, the company relies solely on manufacturers’ warranties for equipment, meaning some panels are covered for 25 years but others only for 10. Even more concerning is that Sundog Solar’s workmanship warranty is a paltry 5 years, well below the industry standard.
The company offers solar panels, battery backups, EV chargers, and solar monitoring.
Sundog Solar accepts cash, solar loans, and PPAs. Solar loan financing is handled through the company’s financing partner, Solar Mosaic.
The company mentions a referral program on its website, but the details are not available.
Sundog Solar handles its installations via an in-house team of NABCEP-certified installers.
Sundog Solar has a good selection of solar equipment from top brands. The company installs panels from Tesla, LG, Q Cells, Solaria, and Vikram Solar, battery backups from Tesla, LG, Sonnen, LG, and Blue Planet Energy, and gets its inverters from SolarEdge, SMA, and Enphase.
Sundog Solar works with Solar Mosaic to provide solar financing, and the company’s installers are certified by NABCEP.
Solar Power New England
3.1
Our Rating
Solar Power New England is a small solar installer located in Portland, Maine. The company strives to provide custom solar solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The company offers a surprisingly diverse selection of solar equipment for such a small business and provides enough solar services to meet most homeowners’ needs.
Solar Power New England’s capacity is lower than the other companies on this list, so you might need to be patient when scheduling a visit for a consultation and a free quote. However, it’s the epitome of a small solar business, giving customers individualized attention and customized solar installations.
Solar Power New England’s prices are reasonable but skew a bit expensive.
Solar Power New England mostly relies on the manufacturer’s warranty to cover the equipment it installs.
The company offers photovoltaic panels, solar energy storage, and EV charging stations.
Solar Power New England accepts cash and solar loans, although it doesn’t provide financing information on its website, preferring to handle financing during in-person consultations.
The company handles its installations internally.
Solar Power New England offers tons of brand variety from leading companies like Panasonic, Silfab, LG, SMA, Enphase, SolarEdge, REC, and Solaria.
The company has industry partnerships with Span — an AI-driven solar monitoring company — and LG, although the partnership with LG is coming to an end as of mid-2022 since LG is exiting the solar business.
Featured Video: See Why Mainers Are Becoming Increasingly More Interested in Going Solar
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Good Solar Company in Maine?
If you’re having trouble deciding which solar company is the best for you and your home, here are some general factors to consider that might help you narrow down the options.
- Cost of Services & Installation
- Equipment and Damages Warranty
- Solar Services Offered
- Financing Options
- Do They Contract Installation?
- Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
- Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
- Industry Partnerships
- Size of Company
Cost of Services & Installation
Cost is the biggest barrier preventing most homeowners from installing rooftop solar panels on their homes. Unfortunately, all solar installations are expensive (check out our analysis of solar panel cost), even the more affordable ones, so you’ll need to have your finances in order before you start seriously considering going solar. Luckily, as solar technology matures, more affordable options are becoming available, giving more people access to cutting-edge solar panels. Additionally, most solar companies these days are willing to work with customers to find financing options that work for both parties, making it easier than ever to invest in renewable energy.
Don’t forget to consider the long-term savings your solar system will generate when thinking about your ROI. Solar panels increase your home’s value by 4.1% on average, allowing most homeowners to recoup their initial investment when they sell their house.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
Solar warranties are extremely important for getting the most out of your solar investment. A good warranty that covers performance, equipment, and workmanship will reduce your worry and keep your solar system functioning effectively throughout its life. A 25-year warranty for equipment and workmanship is the gold standard, but longer warranty periods are usually paired with more expensive service. We recommend choosing a company that provides the most comprehensive warranty you can afford.
Solar Services Offered
If you’re only looking for a basic rooftop solar installation, almost any solar installer will work. However, if you want more advanced options like battery backups, EV chargers, and in-depth monitoring, your options are more limited. The easiest way to get the solar services you want without much difficulty is to choose a company that can design and customize your system since you can pick and choose the components you want.
Financing Options
Many people choose to finance their solar panels to make it easier — or possible — to make the switch to solar power. Financing options are becoming more sophisticated as the solar industry matures, making it easier than ever to find a payment plan that works for you. Most companies work with a financing partner to provide solar loans, but some handle loans internally, which can be easier to manage for some people.
Some solar panel companies offer PPAs and solar leases, which may seem attractive due to their low upfront costs but lead to lower lifetime savings. We don’t recommend PPAs or leases and advise new solar customers to choose a solar loan if they can’t afford to pay for their panels in cash.
Do They Contract Installation?
Most solar companies handle the entire process themselves, although some — most notably SunPower — still contract installations to third-party installers. Many people don’t want to deal with an independent contractor and prefer using an end-to-end company that designs, procures equipment, and installs their solar systems internally. One positive of third-party installations is that they often reduce the installation cost.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference, and plenty of customers have positive experiences with independently installed solar systems. Make sure to ask who handles installation when you call to get a quote if it’s important to you.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
These days, most solar panel manufacturers are churning out high-quality PV systems, but a few companies still stand out from the rest. Tesla and SunPower are generally regarded as the most technologically advanced solar companies, providing better energy efficiency than their competitors. However, other companies like Panasonic, REC, Silfab, and Q Cells also make high-quality panels that will serve you well.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
You should take some time to read reviews and customer opinions before deciding on a solar provider since these are the most reliable ways to get the inside scoop on what it will be like to be a customer before you actually become one. Try to read solar reviews from various sources to avoid intrinsic biases.
Industry Partnerships
Companies with many industry partnerships are more likely to survive into the future than businesses that operate alone or with limited connections. Residential solar is still a nascent field with much uncertainty surrounding its trajectory, and bombshell announcements like LG ceasing its solar panel production have outsized effects on solar companies that don’t have a robust network of partners. Try to choose a company that has solid relationships with other solar businesses to insulate yourself from future headaches if the solar landscape changes in the upcoming decades.
Size of Company
One final factor to consider is company size. Small companies are more nimble and flexible and more likely to give you personalized attention. Unfortunately, they also usually charge more for their services and have fewer options to choose from than a larger company. Conversely, large solar companies can usually afford to charge lower prices and carry more brands, but their customer support pales in comparison to a local installer.
A company’s size isn’t as important as most other factors, but it can help break a tie between two otherwise similar businesses. Whether you prefer a big national solar provider or a small mom-and-pop installer is up to you and your personal preferences.
What’s Our Final Verdict on the Best Solar Company in Maine?
While you can’t go wrong with any of the companies covered in this article, ReVision Energy and Maine Solar Solutions are the two best options for solar in Maine, in our opinion. Both companies specialize in Maine rooftop solar installations and provide top-notch customer service at affordable prices.
If you prefer a larger company — and have deep pockets — SunPower is an excellent alternative. SunPower offers premium panels at premium prices, and its systems are unmatched in terms of raw energy efficiency, durability, and longevity.
FAQs About the Top Rated Solar Companies in Maine
Is solar energy efficient in Maine?
Maine is ranked second-to-last in annual sunshine among the contiguous 48 states, behind only Washington state. While that means you’ll need a larger solar system than you would if you lived in a sun-soaked state like California, it doesn’t mean solar panels are useless in Maine. Most residents of the Pine Tree State can offset their entire electric bill with a reasonably sized 6-kW system, depending on how much energy they use.
Not only are panels efficient enough to eliminate energy bills in many cases, but they generate enough energy to pay themselves off in around 10 years — shorter than the industry average — and save over $20,000 on energy bills after they pay for themselves.
Does Maine offer solar rebates?
Maine has several tax credits and solar incentives available to its residents that make installing solar systems easier and more affordable.
First, Maine residents are eligible for the federal tax credit or solar investment tax credit (ITC), which has just been increased to 30% for 2022. This allows homeowners who purchase solar panels to reduce their tax responsibility by 30% of their solar system’s cost. Unfortunately, the federal solar ITC only applies to purchased systems.
What is the most experienced solar company in Maine?
SunPower is the most experienced solar company that does business in Maine. The company was founded in 1985 and has more experience installing solar panels in Maine and neighboring states than virtually any other solar installer.
Can you sell power back to the grid in Maine?
Yes, you can. Luckily, Maine has a net metering policy that allows people to sell the excess power their solar panels generate back to the electric company, storing up credits they can use whenever their systems don’t produce enough power to cover their usage. In Maine, this typically means selling extra kWh back to the grid during the summer and supplementing with stored credits during the winter to help cover energy bills.
How much do solar panels cost in Maine?
Solar panels cost around $17,000 on average before any tax credits and $12,000 after tax credits. For example, the average 6-kW system in Maine takes about 10 years to pay back your initial investment, and you can expect to generate between $18,000 and $20,000 in lifetime savings over your solar system’s lifetime. The above estimates are based on an average solar equipment cost of $2.83 per watt.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
Methodology: How We Reviewed Solar Companies in Maine
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
- Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
- Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.
- Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
- Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.
- Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
- Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
- Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
